Southern Naiad
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(Najas guadalupensis)
Southern Naiad (Najas guadalupensis)
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© chiuluan
CC BY 4.0
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© chiuluan
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © chiuluan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: chiuluan | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Najas guadalupensis, commonly known as Southern Naiad or Southern Waternymph, is an annual aquatic herb native to a wide range of freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and canals throughout the Americas, from Canada to South America. It has also been introduced to parts of Asia and the Middle East. This submerged plant features slender, branching stems that can grow up to 35 inches long, with leaves arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are typically 1 inch long and have finely serrated margins, which can give them a comb-like appearance.
Southern Naiad is valued for its use in aquariums and ponds due to its ability to oxygenate water and provide habitat for aquatic wildlife. It is also used in water gardens and can help control algae by competing for nutrients. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, and it can grow in a variety of water conditions, from stagnant to slow-flowing, with a preference for soft, slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Gardeners should ensure it is responsibly contained in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Southern Naiad is valued for its use in aquariums and ponds due to its ability to oxygenate water and provide habitat for aquatic wildlife. It is also used in water gardens and can help control algae by competing for nutrients. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, and it can grow in a variety of water conditions, from stagnant to slow-flowing, with a preference for soft, slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Gardeners should ensure it is responsibly contained in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.03-3 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
- Flower Color: Green
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Standing
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and canals
Other Names
Common Names: Southern Waternymph, Guadalupe Water Nymph, Southern Naiad, Guadalupe Naiad
Scientific Names: Najas guadalupensis, Caulinia guadalupensis, Najas flexilis var. guadalupensis, Najas guadalupensis var. guadalupensis, Najas microdon, Najas microdon var. guadalupensis, Najas microdon var. guadalupensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Najas guadalupensis